Recipe contest celebrates local food - throughout August

August 8th, 2013by Staff Report in Chattnow Dining

Bryan Lowe, left, looks on as his son, Bradley Lowe, 14, cleans off a cucumber at the Lowe's Family Farm booth at the Brainerd Farmers Market. Chattanooga is home to a number of different Farmers Markets scattered all across the city.

Photo by
Alyson Wright/Times Free Press.

Gaining Ground, a Benwood Foundation initiative to support local food, is running an online recipe contest through August aimed at encouraging cooks to share their best recipes using local corn.

The organization&#8217;s Facebook fans will be able to vote for their favorite recipe, with the winner receiving a gift certificate to the Brainerd Farmers Market. The contest is part of the &#8220;Right Here, Right Now&#8221; campaign, which focuses on seasonality and celebrates Chattanooga&#8217;s best flavors.

Manager Chris Casanova says the Brainerd Farmers Market is busier this summer, with new customers seeking out seasonal produce.

&#8220;When customers come to our market, they see what&#8217;s in season and start to eat according to availability,&#8221; Casanova says.

In addition to fresh produce, customers also can find cooking demonstrations, samples and farmer-inspired recipe cards.

Other events around Chattanooga this month also will celebrate local food. Visit the websites for more information on RSVPs.